Utility conduit system

ABSTRACT

A utility conduit system includes a base having a bottom wall, a first side wall extending from the bottom wall, and a second side wall extending from the bottom wall at least partially defining a channel. Various components can be removably positioned in the base to customize the utility conduit system for a given location. Some components can include a universal mounting bracket, a by-pass unit, and a divider bracket.

RELATED APPLICATION(S)

This application is based on U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No.62/478,321, filed Mar. 29, 2017, the disclosure of which is incorporatedherein by reference in its entirety and to which priority is claimed.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates to a utility conduit system.

Utility conduits are used to provide routing and protection forelectrical or optical conductors and outlets in wiring of residential,commercial and industrial premises. In certain applications, theconduits are used to run conductors to locations in a room in a covered,organized manner. Utility conduits are increasingly being used in officespaces, where open floor plans do not have as many interior walls anddrop ceilings typically used for running cables.

SUMMARY

According to various exemplary embodiments, a utility conduit systemincludes a base having a bottom wall, a first side wall extending fromthe bottom wall, and a second side wall extending from the bottom wallat least partially defining a channel. Various components can beremovably positioned in the base to customize the utility conduit systemfor a given location. Some components can include a universal mountingbracket, a by-pass unit, and a divider bracket.

In one example, a utility conduit system includes a base having a bottomwall, a first side wall extending from the bottom wall, and a secondside wall extending from the bottom wall at least partially defining achannel. A first protrusion extends from the first side wall into thechannel and a second protrusion extends form the second side wall intothe channel. A first width is defined by the distance between the firstprotrusion and the second protrusion. A universal mounting bracketincludes a first edge, a second edge, a third edge, and a fourth edge, Amajor width and a minor width are defined between the second and fourthedges. The major width is larger than the first width and the minorwidth is smaller than the first width. The universal mounting bracketcan be positioned in the channel in a first orientation using the minorwidth to pass the universal mounting bracket through the first andsecond protrusions and in a second orientation using the major width toretain the universal mounting bracket beneath the first and secondprotrusions.

According to another example, a utility conduit system includes a basehaving a bottom wall, a first side wall extending from the bottom wall,and a second side wall extending from the bottom wall at least partiallydefining a channel. A first protrusion extends from the first side wallinto the channel and a second protrusion extends form the second sidewall into the channel. A first width is defined by the distance betweenthe first protrusion and the second protrusion. A by-pass unit includesa by-pass wall forming a first conduit passageway between the first sidewall of the base and the by-pass wall and a second conduit passagewaybetween the second side wall of the base and the by-pass wall. Thesecond conduit passageway is isolated from the first conduit passageway.The by-pass unit is removably received in the base.

According to another example, a utility conduit system includes a basehaving a bottom wall, a first side wall extending from the bottom wall,and a second side wall extending from the bottom wall at least partiallydefining a channel. A first protrusion extends from the first side wallinto the channel and a second protrusion extends form the second sidewall into the channel. A first width is defined by the distance betweenthe first protrusion and the second protrusion. A divider bracketpositioned in the base for receiving a divider to separate the channelinto a first conduit and a second conduit. The divider bracket includesa first portion having a first resilient leg, a second portion having asecond resilient leg, and a connection portion connecting the firstportion to the second portion. The first resilient leg and the secondresilient leg are configured to cooperatively secure a conduit dividertherebetween. The connection portion has a width narrower than a widthof the first portion and a width of the second portion.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary utility conduit system.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the utility system of FIG. 1 with theutility conduit covers removed.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a raceway channel of the utility conduitsystem of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a top view of an exemplary universal mounting bracket for usewith the utility conduit system of FIG. 1.

FIGS. 5a-5d illustrate the steps for installing the universal mountingbracket of FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a universal mounting bracket engagedwith an outlet and a conduit channel according to some constructions.

FIG. 7 is an exploded view of a by-pass unit for use with the utilityconduit system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a universal mounting bracket engagedwith an outlet, a by-pass unit, a divider, and a conduit channelaccording to some constructions.

FIG. 9 is a section view of the utility conduit system of FIG. 1 takenalong the line 9-9 of FIG. 1. FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a dividerbracket for use with the utility conduit system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 11 is a section view of the utility conduit system of FIG. 1 takenalong the line 11-11 of FIG. 1

FIGS. 12a-12d illustrate the steps for installing the divider bracket ofFIG. 10.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Before any constructions of the disclosure are explained in detail, itis to be understood that the disclosure is not limited in itsapplication to the details of construction and the arrangement ofcomponents set forth in the following description or illustrated in thefollowing drawings. The disclosure is capable of other constructions andof being practiced or of being carried out in various ways.

FIGS. 1-2 illustrate an exemplary utility conduit system 10 thatincludes a base 14 and a cover 18 attached to the base 14. The base 14and the cover 18 at least partially define a conduit for receiving oneor more electrical and structural components. These components caninclude any combination of a universal mounting bracket 22, an outlet26, a by-pass unit 30, a divider bracket 34, and a divider 38. In someconstructions, the utility conduit system 10 is a raceway configured toextend substantially horizontally along a wall, floor, subfloor, orother structural feature. In other constructions, the utility conduitsystem 10 is a service pole configured to extend substantiallyvertically along a wall, post, column, or other structural feature. Insome constructions, the length of the base 14 corresponds to thedimensions of a wall along which the base 14 will be installed. In otherconstructions, the length of the base 14 may correspond to a length orheight of a furniture item into which the base 14 is integrated. Thedepth of the base 14 corresponds to the depth of a subfloor or wall inwhich the utility conduit system 10 is used.

The utility conduit system 10 can have various sizes, shapes, andconfigurations according to the location and desired components. In theillustrated construction, the utility conduit system 10 has a 2-gangconfiguration, meaning that it can receive two outlets 26 positionedside-by-side as shown in FIGS. 1-2. Each of the outlets 26 includemounting straps 42 having holes 46 for receiving fasteners 52. In otherconstructions, the utility conduit system 10 can have a 1-gangconfiguration, or a 3-gang or configuration. The outlets 26 can be poweroutlets 26 a, data outlets 26 b, cable outlets 26 c, or any other typeof outlet, such as a pin-and-sleeve outlet.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the base 14 includes a first sidewall 66, asecond sidewall 70, and a bottom wall 74 that at least partially definea channel 78 having a longitudinal channel axis A. The first sidewall66, the second sidewall 70, and the bottom wall 74 are substantiallyplanar. The bottom wall 74 has a first side 102 adjacent the firstsidewall 66 and a second side 106 adjacent the second sidewall 70. Thefirst sidewall 66 is substantially parallel to the second sidewall 70.The first sidewall 66 and the second sidewall 70 are mutuallyperpendicular to the bottom wall 74. The first sidewall 66 issubstantially similar to the second sidewall 70, so only the firstsidewall 66 will be described in detail below. Like features of thesecond sidewall 70 will be indicated with the symbol “ ′ ”.

As best shown in FIG. 3, the first sidewall 66 includes a first end 86adjacent the bottom wall 74 and a second end 90 spaced from the bottomwall 74. A hook 94 is formed proximate the second end 90. In theillustrated construction, the hook 94 is substantially S-shaped andextends into the channel 78 and above the second end 90. The hook 94 canextend along a length of the base 14, or a plurality of shorter hooksmay be positioned at intervals along the axial length of the base 14.

A wall protrusion 98 is formed proximate and spaced from the first end86 of the first sidewall 66. The wall protrusion 98 extends into thechannel 78 along the axial length of the base 14. A pair of bottomprotrusions 108, 112 extend from the bottom wall 74 into the channel 78.The first bottom protrusion 108 is formed in the bottom wall 74proximate the first side 102 and the second bottom protrusion 112 isformed in the bottom wall 74 proximate the second side 106. The firstbottom protrusion 108 and the first wall protrusion 98 cooperativelyform a first corner channel 116 therebetween. The second bottomprotrusion 112 and the second wall protrusion 98′ form a second cornerchannel 120.

The base 14 may be formed of sheet metal such as aluminum or a plasticmaterial such as PVC. Conduit channels formed of sheet metal may beformed from a single piece of sheet metal that is bent into asubstantially C-shaped channel. Alternatively, the base 14 may be madeby securing separate wall and base pieces together. If made from PVC,the base 14 is molded as unitary C-shaped channel.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 11, the cover 18 is engaged with the base 14 toform an enclosed channel 78. A first barb 110 is positioned proximate afirst end 86 of the cover 18 and a second barb 114 is positionedproximate a second end 90 of the cover 18. The first barb 110 and thesecond barb 114 are resilient. The first barb 110 engages the hook 94and the second barb 114 engages the hook 94 to secure the cover 18 tothe base 14. The cover 18 may include openings 118 sized to receive theoutlets 26. As shown in FIG. 1, the openings 118 are shaped tocorrespond to a shape of the outlet 26. For example, in someconstructions, the openings 118 may be square to receive outlets havinga square profile, such as the information outlets 26 b or the cableoutlets 26 c shown in FIGS. 1-2. In other constructions, the openings118 may have two opposed straight sides and two opposed curved sides, asshown in the power outlets 26 c shown in FIGS. 1-2. As shown in FIG. 1,the cover 18 is formed from a plurality of cover pieces 18 a-e. A lengthof each of the cover pieces 18 a-e is shorter than the axial length ofthe base 14 so that a portion of the channel 78 may be opened withoutexposing the entire length of the channel 78. In some constructions, thecover 18 is made from sheet metal such as aluminum. In otherconstructions, the cover 18 is made from a plastic material such as PVC.

FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the universal mountingbracket 22. The universal mounting bracket 22 is substantially planarand includes a first edge 126, a second edge 130, a third edge 134, anda fourth edge 138. The first edge 126 is opposite and substantiallyparallel to the third edge 134. The second edge 130 is opposite thefourth edge 138. The second edge 130 includes a first portion 158 and asecond portion 160. The first portion 158 is substantially perpendicularto the first edge 126. The second portion 160 is angled toward a centralaxis of the universal mounting bracket 22. The fourth edge 138 includesa first portion 162 and a second portion 164. The first portion 162 issubstantially perpendicular to the third edge 134. The second portion164 is angled toward the central axis. The universal mounting bracket 22includes two major corners 142 and two minor corners 146. In theillustrated construction, the major corners 142 are chamfered cornersand the minor corners 146 are rounded corners.

As shown in FIG. 4, the first edge 126 is spaced a distance 168 from thethird edge 134. A major width 169 extends between the major corners 142as defined by the horizontal distance between the first portion 158 ofthe second edge 130 and the first portion 162 of the fourth edge 138. Aminor width 169′ extends between the minor corners 146 as defined by thehorizontal distance between the outer edges of the minor corners 146 orthe terminus of the second portion 160 of the second edge 130 and thesecond portion 164 of the fourth edge 138. As illustrated in FIG. 4, theminor width 169′ is smaller than the major width 169. This configurationallows the universal mounting bracket 22 to be positioned in at least afirst orientation using the minor width 169′ and a second orientationusing the major width 169, as further discussed below.

The universal mounting bracket 22 includes a plurality of openings tofacilitate the connection of the universal mounting bracket 22 to astructure and to allow for different components to be connected to theuniversal mounting plate. For example, connecting holes 170 can bepositioned proximate each of the major corners 142 and each of the minorcorners 146. The connecting holes 170 can be aligned with the firstcorner channel 116 and the second corner channel 120 when the universalmounting bracket 22 is positioned within the base 14. The universalmounting bracket 22 includes grounding holes 174 proximate the minorcorners 146. The grounding holes 174 are sized to receive groundingscrews 178 (FIG. 6). In the illustrated construction, the groundingholes 174 are marked with the letter “G”. In alternate constructions,the grounding holes 174 may be positioned elsewhere on the universalmounting bracket 22. The universal mounting bracket 22 includes a pairof by-pass mounting slots 182 for mounting the by-pass unit 30.

The universal mounting bracket 22 also includes different sets ofmounting holes that allow different components to be connected to theuniversal mounting bracket 22 and allow components to be connected indifferent orientations. Indicia can be used to designate the differentmounting hole sets. In an exemplary embodiment, a first plurality ofoutlet mounting holes 186 are configured to receive an outlet 26 havinga square configuration, such as a pin and sleeve outlet. The firstplurality of outlet mounting holes 186 is marked with the letter “S”. Asecond plurality of outlet mounting holes 190 are configured to receivean outlet 26 or a plurality of outlets 26 oriented in a directionparallel to the longitudinal axis A of the base 14 (see outlets 26 a ofFIG. 2). In the illustrated construction, the second plurality of outletmounting holes 190 is marked with the letter “P”. A third plurality ofoutlet mounting holes 194 are configured to receive an outlet 26 or aplurality of outlets 26 in an orientation that is substantiallyperpendicular to the longitudinal axis A of the base 14 (see outlets 26b and outlets 26 c of FIG. 2). In the illustrated construction, thethird plurality of outlet mounting holes 194 is marked with the letter“V”. In the illustrated construction, the second plurality of outletmounting holes 190 and the third plurality of outlet mounting holes 194are sized for a 2-gang configuration. In alternate constructions, thesecond plurality of outlet mounting holes 190 and the third plurality ofoutlet mounting holes 194 may be positioned in alternate configurationto correspond to a 1-gang or a 3-gang (or more than 3-gang)configuration. In some constructions, the universal mounting bracket 22is made of a stamped metal, such as aluminum. In other constructions,the universal mounting bracket 22 may be made of other materials such asplastic.

As shown in FIGS. 5a-5d , the second edge 130 and the fourth edge 138are shaped to allow the universal mounting bracket 22 to be installed inthe channel 78 at any position along the longitudinal extent of thechannel 78. The universal mounting bracket 22 is positioned in a firstorientation so that the second portion 160 of the second edge 130 andthe second portion 164 of the fourth edge 138 are substantially parallelto the sidewalls 66, 70 of the base 14. In this position, the minorwidth 169′ is smaller than the distance between the wall protrusions 98,98′ (FIG. 5b ). The universal mounting bracket 22 can therefore bepositioned within the channel 78 and positioned below the wallprotrusions 98, 98′ and abutting the bottom protrusions 108, 112. Theuniversal mounting bracket 22 can then be rotated to a secondorientation so that the first portion 158 of the second edge 130 and thefirst portion 162 of the fourth edge 138 are substantially parallel tothe sidewalls 66, 70 of the channel 78 (FIG. 5d ). The major width 169is wider than the distance between the wall protrusions 98, 98′ so thatthe bracket extends underneath the wall protrusions 98, 98′. Fasteners198 are then installed in the connecting holes 170 to secure theuniversal mounting bracket 22 within the channel 78. As the fasteners198 are tightened, they extend into the corner channels 116, 120,pushing the universal mounting bracket 22 into engagement with the wallprotrusions 98, 98′ to secure its position.

FIG. 6 shows the universal mounting bracket 22 connected to the base 14as described above and a set of power outlets 26 connected to theuniversal mounting bracket 22. A plurality of standoffs 202 are engagedwith the second plurality of outlet mounting holes 190. Each standoff202 is substantially cylindrical and has a height so that the outlet 26mounted on the plurality of standoffs 202 is positioned to extendthrough the openings 118 of the cover 18. A first end 210 of each of theplurality of standoffs 202 includes a threaded portion and is threadablyengaged with the second plurality of outlet mounting holes 190. A secondend 214 of each of the plurality of standoffs 202 is secured to themounting strap 42 of the outlet 26 by fasteners 52.

FIG. 7 shows a by-pass unit 30 that can be installed in the base 14 andused to separate power lines from data/communication lines extendingthrough the channel 78. The by-pass unit 30 includes a by-pass wall 222and a pocket member 226. In the construction shown in FIG. 7, the pocketmember 226 is secured to the by-pass wall 222 using fasteners 230. Inalternate configurations, the pocket member 226 may be unitarily formedwith the by-pass wall 222 or secured to the by-pass wall 222 by othermethods such as welding.

With continued reference to FIG. 7, the by-pass wall 222 includes afirst sidewall 234, a second sidewall 238, a back wall 242, a firstdivider engagement portion 246, and a second divider engagement portion250. The first sidewall 234 and the second sidewall 238 are adjacent theback wall 242 and are perpendicular to the back wall 242, the firstdivider engagement portion 246, and the second divider engagementportion 250. An opening 254 between the first sidewall 234 and thesecond sidewall 238 is configured to receive the universal mountingbracket 22. The first sidewall 234 and the second sidewall 238 aresubstantially similar and the first divider engagement portion 246 andthe second divider engagement portion 250 are substantially similar, soonly the first sidewall 234 and the first divider engagement portion 246will be described in detail below. Like numbers will be used to refer tolike parts, and corresponding parts of the second sidewall 238 and thesecond divider engagement portion 250 will be indicated with the symbol“ ′ ”.

The first sidewall 234 has a proximal portion 258 engaged with the backwall 242 and a distal portion spaced from the back wall 242. A mountingtab 266 extends from a lower edge 268 of the first sidewall 234. Themounting tab 266 is positioned so that a mounting hole 270 of themounting tab 266 can be aligned with the by-pass mounting slot 182 ofthe universal mounting bracket 22 so that the by-pass unit 30 can besecured to the universal mounting bracket 22 using the fasteners 228(FIG. 8). The first divider engagement portion 246 extends from thedistal portion 262 of the first sidewall 234 and includes a top curvedportion 274 and a bottom curved portion 278. A channel 282 sized toreceive an end of the divider 38 extends between the top curved portion274, the bottom curved portion 278, and the first sidewall 234.

A top portion 286 of the back wall 242 incudes a cutout 290. A firsttrack 294 and a second track 298 extend from the cutout 290. The firsttrack 294 and the second track 298 are sized to support and receive thepocket member 226. A mounting hole 302 is positioned on either side ofthe cutout 290. The pocket member 226 has a first sidewall 306, a secondsidewall 310, a back wall 314, and a lower wall 318. The first sidewall306 and the second sidewall 310 are perpendicular to the back wall 314.The lower wall 318 is perpendicular to the first sidewall 306, thesecond sidewall 310, and the back wall 314. The pocket member 226 formsa pocket that extends between the first sidewall 306, the secondsidewall 310, the back wall 314, and the lower wall 318. The lower wall318 is received in the tracks 294, 298 of the cutout 290. The tracks294, 298 are sized to prevent rotation of the pocket member 226 withrespect to the by-pass wall 222. A first mounting tab 326 and a secondmounting tab 330 extend from the first sidewall 306 and the secondsidewall 310, respectively. Each of the mounting tabs 326, 330 includesa mounting hole 334. The mounting holes 334 of the pocket member 226 arealigned with the mounting holes 302 of the by-pass wall 222 to receivethe fasteners 230 to secure the pocket member 226 to the by-pass wall222. In the illustrated construction, the pocket member 226 is made froma metal such as aluminum. In other constructions, the pocket member 226may be made from other materials such as plastic.

FIG. 8 shows the by-pass unit 30 connected to the universal mountingbracket 22 and the divider 38 and FIG. 9 shows this assembly positionedin the base 14. The mounting tabs 266 of the by-pass wall 222 aresecured to the universal mounting bracket 22 by fasteners 228 anddividers 38 are received by the channels 282, 282′ respectively. Thedivider 38 extends along a length of the base 14 and includes a firstgroove 54 and a second groove 58 (FIGS. 8 and 11). In the illustrateconstruction, a portion 62 of the divider 38 that extends between thefirst groove 54 and the second groove 58 is curved. The divider 38 maybe made of sheet metal such as aluminum or of a plastic material, suchas PVC.

As best shown in FIG. 9, the dividers 38, and the by-pass unit 30 form afirst channel portion 338 and a second channel portion 342 separated orisolated form the first channel portion 338. The first channel portion338 is at least partially defined between the first sidewall 66 of thebase 14 and a first side of the divider 38. The second channel portion342 is at least partially defined between the second sidewall 70 of thebase and a second side of the divider 38. The first channel portion 338is adapted to receive a first type of utility conductor (in this exampledata and/or communication) and the second channel is adapted to receivea second type of utility conductor (in this example electrical powerwires) and to keep the different utility conductors separated from eachother. As shown in FIG. 2, the by-pass unit 30 may be positioned withinthe channel 78 so that it opens to the first channel portion 338 or thesecond channel portion 342 as needed. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 8-9, theby-pass unit 30 is shaped so that the second channel portion 342 is ableto receive a 2-gang configuration of outlets 26 a. The pocket member 226provides additional space to receive the mounting straps of an outletoriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A of the channel 78 asshown in FIG. 2.

In various constructions, one or more divider brackets 34 can beinstalled in the base 14 to hold the divider 38 in place. FIG. 10 showsan exemplary divider bracket 34 that includes a first portion 346, asecond portion 350, and a narrowed connection portion 356 that connectsthe first portion 346 to the second portion 350. The first portion 346,the second portion 350, and the narrowed connection portion 356 aresubstantially coplanar. One or more ribs 360 or raised features, can beprovided on the first portion 346 and the second portion 350 to canspace the utility wires (not shown) from edges of the divider bracket 34to help prevent snagging and undue wear. A first leg 364 extends fromthe first portion 346 and a second leg 368 extends from the secondportion 350. In the illustrated construction, the first leg 364 ispositioned at an angle 370 with respect to the first portion 346 and thesecond leg 368 is positioned at the angle 370 with respect to the secondportion 350. In the illustrated construction, the angle 370 is a 91°angle. In other constructions, different angles can be used. The angle370 preloads the first leg 364 and the second leg 368, biasing the firstleg 364 and the second leg 368 inward. The word “biasing” is usedgenerally to refer to urging in a specific direction, for example by amechanical force. The word “inward” is generally used to mean “towards acenter of”. The first leg 364 and the second leg 368 are substantiallysimilar, so only the first leg 364 is described in detail below. Likeparts will be indicated with like numbers and the symbol “ ′ ” will beused to indicate parts on the second leg 368.

With continued reference to FIG. 10, the first portion 346 includes afirst end 372 and a second end 376. A mounting tab 380 extends from thefirst end 372 and is vertically spaced from the first end 372. Themounting tab 380 includes a mounting hole 384 and a tapered corner 388.In the illustrated construction, the tapered corner 388 is chamfered.The mounting hole 384 can be aligned with the first corner channel 116when the divider bracket 34 is positioned within the base 14. The firstleg 364 extends from the second end 376 of the first portion 346. Theplurality of ribs 360 extends onto a portion of the second leg 368. Thefirst leg 364 includes a plurality of barbs 396 proximate a distal end400. The distal end 400 of the first leg 364 is angled to be graspableby a user. The plurality of barbs 396 is positioned to grasp a groove54, 58 of the divider 38 (FIG. 11). The first leg 364 includes a curvedportion 408. As shown in FIG. 10, the first leg 364 and the second leg368 are spaced apart a distance 412 to receive the divider 38therebetwewen. In the illustrated construction, the divider bracket 34is made of a stamped metal such as aluminum.

As shown in FIGS. 12a-12d , the shape of the mounting tabs 380, 380′allows the divider bracket 34 to be installed in the channel 78 at anyposition along the longitudinal extent of the channel 78. To install thedivider bracket 34 in the channel 78, the divider bracket 34 is angledwithin the channel 78 so that the tapered corners 388, 388′ are insidethe wall protrusions 98, 98′ (FIG. 12a ). In this position, a width ofthe divider bracket 34 in a plane substantially perpendicular to thelongitudinal extent of the channel 78 is smaller than the distancebetween the wall protrusions 98, 98′ (FIG. 12b ). The divider bracket 34can therefore be positioned within the channel 78 below the wallprotrusions 98, 98′ and abutting the bottom protrusions 108, 112. Afterthe universal mounting bracket 22 has been positioned in the channel 78,the divider bracket 34 is rotated so that the first portion 158 of thesecond edge 130 and the first portion 162 of the fourth edge 138 aresubstantially parallel to the sidewalls 66, 70 of the channel 78 (FIG.12d ). The width of the divider bracket 34 in a plane substantiallyperpendicular to the longitudinal extent of the channel 38 is wider thanthe distance between the wall protrusions 98, 98′. As is best shown inFIG. 12d , the divider bracket 34 is secured into position beneath thewall protrusions 98, 98. The fasteners 386 are positioned in themounting holes 384 of the divider bracket 34. The fasteners 386 extendinto the corner channels 116, 120.

In operation, a user positions the base 14 as desired in a room orremoves the cover 18 from an installed base 14. When installing theuniversal mounting bracket 22 in this manner, the user rotates theuniversal mounting bracket 22 so that the second portion 164 of thesecond edge 130 and the second portion 164 of the fourth edge 138 aresubstantially parallel to the first sidewall 66 and the second sidewall70 of the base 14. The user lowers the universal mounting bracket 22into the base 14 through the top 86 of the base 14. The user rotates theuniversal mounting bracket 22 so that the first edge 126 and the thirdedge 134 are perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A of the base 14 andthe first portion 158 of the second edge 130 and the first portion 162of the fourth edge 138 are positioned beneath the wall protrusions 98,98′. The user secures the universal mounting bracket 22 within thecorner channels 116, 120 by installing the fasteners 198 through theconnecting holes 170.

The user installs the plurality of standoffs 202 in the plurality ofoutlet mounting holes 186, 190, 194 that corresponds to the user'sdesired orientation of the outlets 26. For example, to install theoutlets 26 in a direction that is parallel to the longitudinal axis A ofthe base 14, as is shown in FIGS. 5 and 8-9, the user installs thestandoffs 202 in the second plurality of outlet mounting holes 190marked with the letter “P”. The user secures the outlets 26 to thestandoffs 202 using the fasteners. Optionally, if the user is using theby-pass unit 30, the user aligns the mounting tabs 266 of the by-passunit 30 with the by-pass mounting slots 182 of the universal mountingbracket 22. The user then secures the by-pass unit 30 to the universalmounting bracket 22. If the user has installed the by-pass unit 30, theuser then aligns the dividers 38 with the channels 282, 282′ formed inthe first divider engagement portion 246 and the second dividerengagement portion 250. Next, the user electrically couples the outlets26 to wires positioned within the base 14. The user then aligns thecover 18 over the top 82 of the base 14 and pushes on the cover 18 untilthe first barb 110 and the second barb 114 are engaged with the hooks94, 94.

To install the divider bracket 34, the user positions the base 14 asdesired in a room or removes the cover 18 from an installed base 14.Next, the user installs the divider bracket 34 into the base 14. Theuser rotates the divider bracket 34 so that the first portion 346 andthe second portion 350 do not interfere with the wall protrusions 98,98′ of the base 14. The user lowers the divider bracket 34 into the base14 and then rotates the divider bracket 34 so that the first portion 346and the second portion 350 are perpendicular to the longitudinal axis Aof the base 14. The user secures the divider bracket 34 within thecorner channels 116, 120 by installing fasteners through the mountingholes 384.

The divider 38 is inserted into the divider bracket 34 through theangled distal ends 400, 400′ of the first leg 364 and the second leg368. A user can urge the first leg 364 and the second leg 369 apartagainst the biasing force of the first leg 364 and the second leg 368,or the angled distal ends 400, 400′ can direct the bracket 38 betweenthem with only the downward force supplied by the user. When the divider38 is positioned between the first leg 364 and the second leg 368, thebiasing force of causes the first leg 364 and the second leg 368 tograsp the divider 38 therebetween. The user aligns the cover 18 over thetop 82 of the base 14 and pushes on the cover 18 until the first barb110 and the second barb 114 are engaged with the hooks 94, 94′.

The foregoing detailed description of the certain exemplary embodimentshas been provided for the purpose of explaining the general principlesand practical application, thereby enabling others skilled in the art tounderstand the disclosure for various embodiments and with variousmodifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. Thisdescription is not necessarily intended to be exhaustive or to limit thedisclosure to the exemplary embodiments disclosed. Any of theembodiments and/or elements disclosed herein may be combined with oneanother to form various additional embodiments not specificallydisclosed. Accordingly, additional embodiments are possible and areintended to be encompassed within this specification and the scope ofthe appended claims. The specification describes specific examples toaccomplish a more general goal that may be accomplished in another way.

As used in this application, the terms “front,” “rear,” “upper,”“lower,” “upwardly,” “downwardly,” and other orientational descriptorsare intended to facilitate the description of the exemplary embodimentsof the present disclosure, and are not intended to limit the structureof the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure to any particularposition or orientation. Terms of degree, such as “substantially” or“approximately” are understood by those of ordinary skill to refer toreasonable ranges outside of the given value, for example, generaltolerances associated with manufacturing, assembly, and use of thedescribed embodiments.

What is claimed is:
 1. A utility conduit system comprising: a basehaving a bottom wall, a first side wall extending from the bottom wall,and a second side wall extending from the bottom wall at least partiallydefining a channel, a first protrusion extending from the first sidewall into the channel and a second protrusion extending form the secondside wall into the channel, wherein a first width is defined by thedistance between the first protrusion and the second protrusion; and auniversal mounting bracket having a first edge, a second edge, a thirdedge, and a fourth edge, and a major width and a minor width definedbetween the second and fourth edges, wherein the major width is largerthan the first width and the minor width is smaller than the firstwidth, and wherein the universal mounting bracket can be positioned inthe channel in a first orientation using the minor width to pass theuniversal mounting bracket through the first and second protrusions andin a second orientation using the major width to retain the universalmounting bracket beneath the first and second protrusions.
 2. Theutility conduit system of claim 1, wherein the universal mountingbracket includes a first plurality of mounting holes configured to mountan outlet in a first direction and a second plurality of mounting holesconfigured to mount the outlet in a second direction different than thefirst direction.
 3. The utility conduit system of claim 1, wherein thefirst edge includes a first portion substantially perpendicular to thefirst edge and a second portion angled toward a central axis of theuniversal mounting bracket.
 4. The utility conduit system of claim 1,wherein the universal mounting bracket includes a pair of chamferedcorners.
 5. The utility conduit system of claim 1, further comprising aby-pass unit securable to the universal mounting bracket.
 6. The utilityconduit system of claim 1, further comprising an outlet connected to theuniversal mounting bracket.
 7. The utility conduit system of claim 6,wherein a plurality of standoffs connect the outlet to the universalmounting bracket.
 8. The utility conduit system of claim 1, wherein theuniversal mounting bracket is rotated less than 90 degrees between thefirst orientation and the second orientation.
 9. The utility conduitsystem of claim 1, further comprising a divider bracket positioned inthe channel and configured to receive a divider.
 10. A utility conduitsystem comprising: a base having a bottom wall, a first side wallextending from the bottom wall, and a second side wall extending fromthe bottom wall at least partially defining a channel, a firstprotrusion extending from the first side wall into the channel and asecond protrusion extending form the second side wall into the channel,wherein a first width is defined by the distance between the firstprotrusion and the second protrusion; and a by-pass unit having aby-pass wall forming a first conduit passageway between the first sidewall of the base and the by-pass wall and a second conduit passagewaybetween the second side wall of the base and the by-pass wall, whereinthe second conduit passageway is isolated from the first conduitpassageway, and the by-pass unit is removably received in the base. 11.The utility conduit system of claim 10, wherein the by-pass wallincludes a first wall, a second wall, and a back wall.
 12. The utilityconduit system of claim 10, wherein the by-pass unit includes a pocketmember configured to receive a mounting portion of an electrical socket.13. The utility conduit system of claim 10, wherein the by-pass wallincludes a divider engagement portion having a channel for receiving adivider.
 14. The utility conduit system of claim 10, wherein the by-passunit is connected to a universal mounting bracket positioned in thebase.
 15. The utility conduit system of claim 14, wherein the by-passunit includes a mounting tab and the by-pass unit is connected to theuniversal mounting bracket by a fastener extending through the mountingtab.
 16. The utility conduit system of claim 10, further comprising adivider bracket positioned in the channel and configured to receive adivider.
 17. A utility conduit system comprising: a base having a bottomwall, a first side wall extending from the bottom wall, and a secondside wall extending from the bottom wall at least partially defining achannel, a first protrusion extending from the first side wall into thechannel and a second protrusion extending form the second side wall intothe channel, wherein a first width is defined by the distance betweenthe first protrusion and the second protrusion; and a divider bracketpositioned in the base for receiving a divider to separate the channelinto a first conduit and a second conduit, the divider bracket includinga first portion having a first resilient leg, a second portion having asecond resilient leg, and a connection portion connecting the firstportion to the second portion, the first resilient leg and the secondresilient leg configured to cooperatively secure a conduit dividertherebetween and the connection portion having a width narrower than awidth of the first portion and a width of the second portion.
 18. Theutility conduit system of claim 17, wherein the first resilient leg andthe second resilient leg are biased toward each other and wherein a barbis placed proximate an end of the first resilient leg.
 19. The utilityconduit system of claim 17, wherein the divider bracket is rotatablebetween a first position in which the divider bracket is removable fromchannel and a second position in which the divider bracket is retainedby the first and second protrusions.
 20. The utility conduit system ofclaim 17, further comprising a universal mounting bracket having a firstedge, a second edge, a third edge, and a fourth edge, and a major widthand a minor width defined between the second and fourth edges, whereinthe major width is larger than the first width and the minor width issmaller than the first width, and wherein the universal mounting can bepositioned in the channel in a first orientation using the minor widthto pass the universal mounting bracket through the first and secondprotrusions and in a second orientation using the major width to retainthe universal mounting bracket beneath the first and second protrusions.